Xcel Energy Birds of Prey

We hope you enjoy watching the Fort St. Vrain eagles. The eagles usually lay eggs in mid-February. The eggs hatch in late March to early April and young fledge in June. Click here for Detailed Annual Information.

Platteville

66°

moderate rain

humidity: 100%

wind: 6mph SSE

H 71 • L 71

What does the Fort St. Vrain bald eagle site look like? The eagles’ nest (FSV-N0) is roughly 26 feet in perimeter – large enough to be seen on satellite! It is located in a cottonwood on the banks of the St. Vrain River near Platteville, CO, on property owned by Xcel Energy. We’re not sure how old it is, but Bob Anderson and Rob MacIntyre put the first cam system up in 2003, when the nest was already well established. FSV-N0 is built primarily of cottonwood branches (the dominant tree in many river systems out west) and lined with prairie grass.

As the eagles look out of their nest, they might view the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, roughly 15 miles west of the nest, or the junction of the St. Vrain and south Platte rivers roughly 2 miles north. The land can be broadly characterized as sweeping and open – beautiful, but very different from the folded hills and forests of Decorah and Eagle Valley. Primary food sources include the river systems (fish and turtles) and a nearby prairie dog colony that was just re-established after serious flooding two years ago.

To date, 40 eaglets have hatched here, although the actual production rate – the number of eagles that make it to fledge – is lower than that.

The King Plant falcons are nesting in a nest box at the 400′ level on a stack at the Allen S. King plant next to the Saint Croix River in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. This nest was first productive in 1990 and has produced 71 falcons to date (2018). Click here for Detailed Annual Information.

The Sherco falcons are nesting on the 400′ level of a stack at the Sherco power plant near the Minnesota river. The plant grounds are very large and contain abundant resources. Falcon talons or eggs may at times look a little dirty. The plant is a coal-fired plant and the falcons sometimes catch birds in or near the coal yard. This nest was first productive in 1992 and has produced 66 young to date (2018). Click here for Detailed Annual Information.

Sherco Falcons (Central Time) Last year's resident female was 30/B black/green from Ohio. She was admitted to the Raptor Center in 2002, making her over 16 years old.

Clutch one Egg #1: April 7 @ 4:30 PM CDT Egg #2: April 11 @ 5:30 AM CDT This clutch failed following a snowstorm on April 10 and 11th.

Clutch two Egg #1: April 30 @ 8:40 PM CDT Egg #2: May 3

Hatch #1: June 6 Hatch #2: June 6

Allen S. King Falcons (Central Time) Last year's female was Kris 69/W, a 2011 hatch from the MN Power Clay Boswell station in Cohasset, MN. Last year's male was Slate 08/C, a 2012 hatch from the Colonnade Building in Golden Valley, MN. Thanks to our sharp-eyed forum members and Xcel camera operators for the band information!